Northwestern University Athletics
Dear Northwestern: Taylor Tashima
7/12/2018 11:57:00 AM | Women's Volleyball
Dear Northwestern,
As my four years here have come to a close, I keep thinking back to when I verbally committed to this university in November 2011. I made my decision to attend Northwestern as a sophomore in high school, and I wanted to deliver the good news to the NU Volleyball coaches in a special way.
While visiting my grandparents in Vermont, my family and I hiked to the top of a big mountain decked out in Northwestern gear. We posed for this photo, which I proudly sent to the coaches announcing my decision. At the young age of 15, I knew I wanted to be a Wildcat for all the obvious reasons: prestigious academics, the most competitive volleyball conference in the nation, and an unbeatable location. This photograph takes me back to that moment. However, as I reflect on my time at Northwestern all I can think about is how completely unaware I was of the immense blessing and honor that being a Wildcat would turn out to be.
The winter quarter of my freshman year was the most emotionally exhausting and physically challenging time I would face during college. In mid-February of 2015, I was diagnosed with a giant osteoma tumor in my forehead. A CT scan ordered by my Northwestern athletic trainer showed a tumor larger than one-and-a-half golf balls, which extended through my sinus cavities and into my orbital cavity.
It was very close to my optic nerve, threatening to blind me.
Within 24 hours of receiving the results, my athletic trainer had secured appointments for me with an excellent ENT surgeon and the top oculoplastic eye surgeon in the Midwest — both of whom practiced at Northwestern Memorial. Despite 60-plus years of combined experience between the two of them, neither doctor had ever seen anything quite like this before nor heard of any similar case.
I underwent a five-and-a-half-hour surgery, during which the surgeons carefully drilled the tumor into pieces and removed it through both my eye and my nose. It thankfully turned out to be benign, and the double vision I experienced for several weeks after the surgery disappeared a month later and never returned. The outcome was a best-case-scenario, beyond what the doctors had expected.
I was meant to be at Northwestern. I truly believe that.
Without Northwestern's medical staff, I might not be living out my dream of being a professional volleyball player. My doctors at Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago worked a miracle for me, creating a successful game plan for my intricate surgery in less than a week. Without Northwestern's academic assistance, I might not have graduated in four years. I missed four weeks of classes while I was recovering, including winter quarter final exams. However, by working closely with my athletic academic advisor, Maria Sanchez, I was able to complete all the required work. Without Northwestern's volleyball coaches and strength coaches to help get me back into shape after two-and-a-half months off the court, I might not have played for Team USA four months post-surgery. The Northwestern athletic medical staff on campus crafted a custom face mask so that I could start practicing even while I was still healing. It's been an ongoing battle and I have had three revision surgeries, but throughout it all I have remained positive. The lengths that Northwestern's staff went to in order to ensure that I had a successful surgery, fast recovery, and continued health is unparalleled.
I had peace of mind knowing that I was in the best hands possible, and for that I am forever grateful.
I had a lot of time to think while I was recovering from the tumor removal surgery. Up to that point in my life, I had let volleyball define me. I started playing at nine years old and fell head-over-heels in love with the sport.
Upon my diagnosis in the winter of 2015, I saw a possible future without volleyball flash before my eyes.
When I got back on track after this traumatic experience, I had a far different perspective on what really mattered in life. I recognized that I needed to take my blinders off and immerse myself in the many opportunities that Northwestern offers outside of the volleyball program. I reached out to Maureen Palchak, Northwestern's Assistant AD for Community Relations, and started participating in the community outreach program available to NU athletes. I also applied for the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, and held a position for three years thereafter. I made it a priority to make it to at least one game of each team each year and support the athletic community.
Outside of athletics, I spent quality time getting to know my Alpha Phi pledge class. I was even more appreciative of the education I was receiving and pushed myself intellectually by declaring my major in Economics. Following my surgery and recovery, I placed an emphasis on investing in my relationships and making the most out of my experiences. While I never wavered in my dedication to being the best volleyball player and teammate I could possibly be, I am no longer defined by it.
I have been forever impacted by the athletes, coaches, and administration at Northwestern. Thanks to the leadership of Dr. Phillips, there is a distinct culture here. It is comprised of accountability, gratitude, and servant-leadership. This university prides themselves on conducting day-to-day operations the right way and treating everyone with respect.
Northwestern Athletics is one big family, and Dr. Phillips makes sure that everyone in his "family" feels appreciated.
There are so many dedicated people working in the background who enable Northwestern's operations to run smoothly. Above all, Northwestern taught me the definition and importance of servant-leadership — putting others above yourself and making those around you better. Dr. Phillips has built what is largely considered to be the best athletic department in the country, and he has received the accolades to back it up. Whenever I went out on the court representing NU, I not only played for my team and university, I played for Dr. Phillips. He has had such a positive impact on all the student athletes here.
Graduation was both joyful and bittersweet. Northwestern equipped me with a tremendous education, as well as an understanding of how much I have to offer the world outside of volleyball. I will miss my time on campus and I will miss the old Welsh-Ryan Arena, but I'm incredibly excited for what's yet to come. I am heading off to Basel, Switzerland, in late July to play professional volleyball for the next nine months.
I am ready for this next step and have the Northwestern coaching staff largely to thank.
Their unwavering support, encouragement and outstanding coaching have been instrumental in helping me achieve the volleyball goals I've set for myself. Coach Shane Davis and his staff are the best in collegiate athletics, and I cannot wait to see what they build the program into in the years to come!
Northwestern … thank you for letting me live my dream of being a Division-I athlete, and thank you for making my college experience about more than just athletics. Wherever I go in this world, I'll always wear the purple proudly and will never forget where I came from. The 'N' will never come off. Go 'Cats!
Sincerely,
Taylor Tashima
As my four years here have come to a close, I keep thinking back to when I verbally committed to this university in November 2011. I made my decision to attend Northwestern as a sophomore in high school, and I wanted to deliver the good news to the NU Volleyball coaches in a special way.
While visiting my grandparents in Vermont, my family and I hiked to the top of a big mountain decked out in Northwestern gear. We posed for this photo, which I proudly sent to the coaches announcing my decision. At the young age of 15, I knew I wanted to be a Wildcat for all the obvious reasons: prestigious academics, the most competitive volleyball conference in the nation, and an unbeatable location. This photograph takes me back to that moment. However, as I reflect on my time at Northwestern all I can think about is how completely unaware I was of the immense blessing and honor that being a Wildcat would turn out to be.
The winter quarter of my freshman year was the most emotionally exhausting and physically challenging time I would face during college. In mid-February of 2015, I was diagnosed with a giant osteoma tumor in my forehead. A CT scan ordered by my Northwestern athletic trainer showed a tumor larger than one-and-a-half golf balls, which extended through my sinus cavities and into my orbital cavity.
It was very close to my optic nerve, threatening to blind me.
Within 24 hours of receiving the results, my athletic trainer had secured appointments for me with an excellent ENT surgeon and the top oculoplastic eye surgeon in the Midwest — both of whom practiced at Northwestern Memorial. Despite 60-plus years of combined experience between the two of them, neither doctor had ever seen anything quite like this before nor heard of any similar case.
I underwent a five-and-a-half-hour surgery, during which the surgeons carefully drilled the tumor into pieces and removed it through both my eye and my nose. It thankfully turned out to be benign, and the double vision I experienced for several weeks after the surgery disappeared a month later and never returned. The outcome was a best-case-scenario, beyond what the doctors had expected.
I was meant to be at Northwestern. I truly believe that.
Without Northwestern's medical staff, I might not be living out my dream of being a professional volleyball player. My doctors at Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago worked a miracle for me, creating a successful game plan for my intricate surgery in less than a week. Without Northwestern's academic assistance, I might not have graduated in four years. I missed four weeks of classes while I was recovering, including winter quarter final exams. However, by working closely with my athletic academic advisor, Maria Sanchez, I was able to complete all the required work. Without Northwestern's volleyball coaches and strength coaches to help get me back into shape after two-and-a-half months off the court, I might not have played for Team USA four months post-surgery. The Northwestern athletic medical staff on campus crafted a custom face mask so that I could start practicing even while I was still healing. It's been an ongoing battle and I have had three revision surgeries, but throughout it all I have remained positive. The lengths that Northwestern's staff went to in order to ensure that I had a successful surgery, fast recovery, and continued health is unparalleled.
I had peace of mind knowing that I was in the best hands possible, and for that I am forever grateful.
I had a lot of time to think while I was recovering from the tumor removal surgery. Up to that point in my life, I had let volleyball define me. I started playing at nine years old and fell head-over-heels in love with the sport.
Upon my diagnosis in the winter of 2015, I saw a possible future without volleyball flash before my eyes.
When I got back on track after this traumatic experience, I had a far different perspective on what really mattered in life. I recognized that I needed to take my blinders off and immerse myself in the many opportunities that Northwestern offers outside of the volleyball program. I reached out to Maureen Palchak, Northwestern's Assistant AD for Community Relations, and started participating in the community outreach program available to NU athletes. I also applied for the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, and held a position for three years thereafter. I made it a priority to make it to at least one game of each team each year and support the athletic community.
Outside of athletics, I spent quality time getting to know my Alpha Phi pledge class. I was even more appreciative of the education I was receiving and pushed myself intellectually by declaring my major in Economics. Following my surgery and recovery, I placed an emphasis on investing in my relationships and making the most out of my experiences. While I never wavered in my dedication to being the best volleyball player and teammate I could possibly be, I am no longer defined by it.
I have been forever impacted by the athletes, coaches, and administration at Northwestern. Thanks to the leadership of Dr. Phillips, there is a distinct culture here. It is comprised of accountability, gratitude, and servant-leadership. This university prides themselves on conducting day-to-day operations the right way and treating everyone with respect.
Northwestern Athletics is one big family, and Dr. Phillips makes sure that everyone in his "family" feels appreciated.
There are so many dedicated people working in the background who enable Northwestern's operations to run smoothly. Above all, Northwestern taught me the definition and importance of servant-leadership — putting others above yourself and making those around you better. Dr. Phillips has built what is largely considered to be the best athletic department in the country, and he has received the accolades to back it up. Whenever I went out on the court representing NU, I not only played for my team and university, I played for Dr. Phillips. He has had such a positive impact on all the student athletes here.
Graduation was both joyful and bittersweet. Northwestern equipped me with a tremendous education, as well as an understanding of how much I have to offer the world outside of volleyball. I will miss my time on campus and I will miss the old Welsh-Ryan Arena, but I'm incredibly excited for what's yet to come. I am heading off to Basel, Switzerland, in late July to play professional volleyball for the next nine months.
I am ready for this next step and have the Northwestern coaching staff largely to thank.
Their unwavering support, encouragement and outstanding coaching have been instrumental in helping me achieve the volleyball goals I've set for myself. Coach Shane Davis and his staff are the best in collegiate athletics, and I cannot wait to see what they build the program into in the years to come!
Northwestern … thank you for letting me live my dream of being a Division-I athlete, and thank you for making my college experience about more than just athletics. Wherever I go in this world, I'll always wear the purple proudly and will never forget where I came from. The 'N' will never come off. Go 'Cats!
Sincerely,
Taylor Tashima
••••••
Be the first to know what's going on with the 'Cats -- Follow @NU_Sports on Twitter, become a fan of Northwestern Athletics on Facebook, check us out on Instagram, visit our Social Media page and download our mobile app from the Apple Store and Google Play! To get involved with the #B1GCats, become a season-ticket holder or join the Wildcat Fund!
Players Mentioned
S
/ Women's VolleyballVolleyball - 'Cats Defeat Iowa on Rylen Reid's 27-Kill Night (10/31/25)
Saturday, November 01
Volleyball - 'Cats Outlast Michigan in Five-Set Thriller (10/16/25)
Friday, October 17
Volleyball - Wildcats Sweep Campbell to Close Non-Conference Play (9/20/2025)
Sunday, September 21
Volleyball - 'Cats Defeat Valparaiso in Home Opener Reverse Sweep (9/9/2025)
Wednesday, September 10
